The Nine – Chapter Two
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Kaylee wandered about the grounds around Guilford's, sighing in contentment. Her family had settled temporarily in shelters set up a few hundred yards from the plant. Mobile housing structures made for just such an emergency, they were still nice. And enough of them that the large Frye clan wasn't squeezed in like sardines. She had hugged Mister Guilford till she thought he'd break, she was so thankful to him.
"Tut tut, my dear," he had smiled. "We're all family, here. You and yours have done great service for mine. The least I can do is be hospitable in your time of need. Besides," he added, winking, "your husband is more or less my personal physician, these days. Can't be seen as uncharitable."
She hadn't thought of things in those terms, she realized, walking along. Simon no longer worked for Malcolm Reynolds, but for Guilford. He was the attending physician in the little clinic maintained by the company. With well over one hundred employees, and their families, to think about, Braz Guilford didn't like to be dependent on a doctor coming all the way from Bickford.
And it looked as if her sister, Sophie, might be going to work in the clinic as well. Since Simon had taken over the small clinic, people from the surrounding areas had begun coming to see him for their ails and injuries. Both Guilford and Harwell encouraged that. Most of the people around them were customers, and all were friends. Guilford even maintained a small general store on the grounds for the folks around. It was near fifty miles into Bickford.
All in all, Kaylee didn't think she could be any happier. Well, maybe if Simon hadn't had to go to Astra, she decided. She really missed him.
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Kathy Baker knocked lightly on Mal's door. He looked up, seeing her standing there, and smiled.
"Come in, Miss Baker," he said. "Have a seat."
"Toby said you wanted to see me, sir," Baker said, taking the seat.
"I do," Mal nodded. "Did he tell you why?"
"Yes sir," she nodded back, not quite frowning.
"I don't much like it either," Mal sighed. "But before you get all het up, did he explain why he wanted you to take this 'position', for the time being?"
"Just said you needed a driver, sir," Baker replied.
"Well, it's a bit more than that," Mal told her. "Truth is, Toby thinks I need a keeper," he smiled. "In actual truth, Deputy, he wants me to have a body guard, and felt you were the best person for the job." Baker straightened at that, her frown leaving her face.
"Bodyguard?"
"It seems that someone doesn't like your sheriff," Mal nodded. "Took a shot at me earlier today, walkin' in the office."
"Who was it?" she asked at once, eyes now alive with interest.
"No idea," Mal admitted with a helpless shrug. "Did get a very interesting wave about it though," he explained briefly.
"Sounds serious, sir," Baker responded, and Mal was again struck by the similarities between Zoe and this young woman.
"It does appear to be that way," Mal nodded. "I don't want you to go into this blind, Deputy, nor unwilling. If you'd rather not do it, I understand."
"If I were just being assigned as your driver, then I'd be. . .pissed, sir," Baker admitted, frankly. "As it is," her face lit up in a smile, "how can I resist a challenge like this?"
"Well, I hope it ain't that much of a challenge," Mal grinned. "I'd really like to keep livin', if I can at all. If you're gonna do this, though, I need to get your measurements. One of my ships is near to Astra. I want them to bring you back a good set o' armor."
"And maybe a stronger handgun, you want it," he added. She smiled.
"That'd be fine, sir."
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When Serenity settled onto the pad at Guilford's, Kaylee was waiting. Almost bouncing in joy. She waited for the ramp to hit the ground, then shot into the vessel ahead of the crew waiting to offload the returning crates. She met Inara in the galley.
"Welcome home, Inara!" Kaylee squealed, hugging her friend tightly.
"Thank you, mei mei," Inara almost winced at the ferocious embrace.
"Trip go okay?" Kaylee asked.
"Just fine," Inara smiled. "I can see you're still very happy."
"Be happier if Simon hadn't gone off to Astra with Companion," she admitted. "But I'm right tickled, yeah."
"Why did Simon go to Astra?" Inara asked, frowning.
"Zoe wanted to go, and Jayne and River talked him into going, to keep an eye on her," Kaylee explained, and Inara fought to hide a smile.
I wonder what those two are planning? she thought as she and Kaylee sat down to discuss wedding details.
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"What are we doing, ai ren?" River asked, once the Companion was settled at the docks.
"Well, Mal waved, wants me to pick up some armor for a deputy o' his," Jayne told her. "I can do that, while you take Simon to get the rings, if you want."
"We need to do some shopping for Chelsa," she pointed out.
"Well, what say we meet back here, and then we'll make a evenin' of it. Take the nizi out, get what she needs, and you want," he smiled. "We'll eat out, have a fine old time."
"We should take Liam," River smiled, and Jayne nodded.
"Might as well," he agreed. "Don't think we'll be gettin' rid of him, way she keeps lookin' at him."
"Her hero, Jayne," River batted her eyes at him theatrically. "He helped save her."
"I know," he smiled, kissing his wife lightly. "And he's a good boy to boot. She could do worse, and likely not much better."
"Too soon for all that," River changed gears on him, and Jayne sighed. This was gonna be a learning experience.
"He said the same thing, xin gan," he told her. "Just thinks she's pretty."
"She is," River nodded. "Tall and graceful. She will be a beautiful young woman."
"Not as beautiful as her momma," Jayne winked, throwing River into another blush. She'd never stop, she'd decided.
"Well, Chelsa and I will take Simon, then," River announced. "You and Liam will go to the gun shop, and discuss manly things, participate in male bonding, and," she looked at him pointedly, "you will make sufficient growly noises to insure that he maintains proper behavior around our ward."
"Yes, dear," Jayne replied, almost meekly. River nodded in satisfaction, and walked away. Jayne turned at the soft chuckle he heard from behind him.
"That was great work, kid," Goldie jeered. "You really showed her who's wearing the pants in this family."
"Like you show Zoe, right?" Jayne shot back, and Goldie's face faltered a bit.
"Yeah, well," Goldie responded lamely, and Jayne chuckled.
"You watch the ship for us tonight?" Jayne asked. "I don't figure Zoe's up to goin' out."
"She ain't," Goldie confirmed. "I'm gonna order some food delivered, and we're gonna watch something on the cortex."
"We got errands to run, and then we're gonna take the girl to get some things. She ain't got nothin' but what little we picked up in town. River wants to fix her bunk up all girly."
"Kid, I ain't said nothing, but. . .I think it's just shiny that you and River are looking after that girl. I'm. . .I'm proud of you, kid," the older man said quietly. "Stormy would be too, Shade," he added.
"Thanks, Goldie," Jayne nodded. "That means a lot."
"Well," Goldie sniffed, the moment gone. "Be careful. And don't forget the growly noises."
"Right," Jayne laughed.
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Jayne and Liam browsed around the gun store, looking at various items, Jayne commenting on the pros and cons of each weapon. Liam listened intently, wanting to learn all he could.
As they reached the handgun counter, Jayne glanced at the worn pistol Liam carried, and frowned. The weapon was well cared for, but old, and past it's prime. He knew the boy spent most of his pay on his mother, so there would likely not be enough, in the foreseeable future, for him to buy better weapons than he had now.
"Let's see that one," Jayne said idly, pointing to a HK automatic, one chambered for the .45 Short Mag. Jayne liked the round.
"What'dya think o' this one, kid?" Jayne asked casually. Liam took the pistol, checking it over with what Jayne could see was a practiced eye.
"Good balance," Liam nodded, a slight gleam in his eyes. "Big round, too. Magazine capacity ain't that great, but with a round like that, man'd not ought to need too many, right boss?" he grinned.
"Right," Jayne nodded, accepting the weapon back. It fit the boy's hand nicely. "Would you recommend it to someone, then?" he asked.
"If their hand was big enough," Liam nodded after a minute of thought. "Can't see where you could do much better, long as you get plenty o' mags for it. Just in case," he added sheepishly.
"Good advice," Jayne grinned. He handed the weapon back to the saleswoman, with a gesture for her to lay it aside. She smiled, and placed the gun below the case, out of sight.
"We're supposed to pick up an order for Sheriff Reynolds, over on Argo," Jayne told her, remembering why they were here. "Can you see if that's ready for us?"
"Certainly, Mister Cobb," she smiled. She'd been doing business with him for a while now, and liked him. Though she was relieved that the little woman who usually accompanied him was not in sight. She was. . .touchy, where he was concerned.
"Kid, you ever seen a Whitley Rifle?" Jayne asked.
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"Well, Simon?" River asked, as her brother looked at rings.
"I don't. . .these don't seem so expensive," Simon tried to move to another counter, but River blocked him easily.
"Don't even think it," she warned. "This is your wedding, Simon, not a cotillion. These rings are a monument of your love, and your commitment. Don't think in terms of cost. Love is priceless," she said wistfully. "The most precious commodity."
"Mei mei, I don't want to spend your money," he protested.
"If it makes you feel better, it isn't mine," she giggled. "It's Jayne's. And he insisted, Simon. If you go back with something cheap, you will be the one to explain why you bought less than Kaylee deserves. As he dotes on her like a sister, I don't think he'll respond well to that. Do you?"
Simon paled a bit at that, and nodded.
"Can I see this one, please?" he asked the saleswoman.
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"I want that pistol, ten mags, and a thousand rounds for it," Jayne whispered quietly. "I also want that Whitley we were looking at, another ten mags and a thousand rounds for it. And I expect the good customer discount," he added, smiling.
"Certainly, Mister Cobb," the woman nodded. "I'll see what I can do. Also, your package for the Sheriff is ready for delivery."
"Fine. Me and the boy'll be looking at gunbelts, and holsters."
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"Satisfied?" Simon asked, not quite in protest. They had settled on a wonderful diamond cluster for Kaylee, and a gold band with elegant scroll work for him. River was paying for their purchase.
"I'm not the one getting married," River rolled her eyes. "You are, boob. Are you satisfied?"
"Yes," Simon nodded, looking at the floor. "Mei mei, I don't know how to thank you."
"Has it crossed your mind, Simon," River asked softly, "that I'm thanking you? You rescued me, Simon. If not for you, I would likely be dead, long ago. And, I wouldn't have Jayne," she smiled. "Or Chelsa. I have a good life, Simon, just as I told mother and father on Persephone. One I cherish, and would never willingly give up. And if not for you," she kissed his cheek, "I wouldn't."
"That's not the same thing as. . ."
"Simon," River rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Just say thank you."
"Thank you," he smiled.
"You're welcome," River beamed. "Now, let's get back to the ship. We have to meet Jayne and Liam there. We're going out to dinner, and then shopping for Chelsa."
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"These are yours," Jayne told Liam, as the woman left the purchases on the counter and walked away. "I ain't totin'em," he added in a gruff voice.
"What?" Liam asked. His face was a cross between shock, and disbelief.
"These. Are. Yours." Jayne said again, enunciating each word. "As in, you own them. Man's gotta have tools, kid, like I told you. You pull your weight, and then some. Now gather your gear, and let's get back to the ship."
"Boss. . .Jayne. . .I can't. . .I mean I ain't got the. . ." Liam couldn't seem to make a coherent sentence.
"You ain't gotta have it," Jayne told him, smiling. "You got sand, kid. Keep working for Mal, you'll like as not need these. Don't want you backin' me up without the proper tools. Now gather'em up, and let's get goin'."
"I don't know what to say, Jayne," Liam was nearly in tears, which was making Jayne uncomfortable.
"Try, 'thanks Jayne', and then start gathering this stuff up, kid," he said gruffly. "We got a schedule to keep. And I'm supposed to be makin' growly noises at you 'bout keeping a proper attitude toward Chelsa, by the way. So if River asks, I threatened to kill you if you hurt her in any way. Which, by the way," he looked sternly at the boy, "I will."
"You know I wouldn't. . .you do know, don't you?" Liam stammered, his emotional moment forgotten.
"I do," Jayne nodded. "But, like I said, River wanted me to tell you. Make sure, if you catch my meanin'. Now that I done that, get your stuff. We gotta get back. We're all goin' out to eat, and get some stuff for the girl. Makes you feel better," Jayne added, helping gather the items off the counter, "River wanted you to come along."
"Really?" Liam brightened at that.
"Really," Jayne nodded. Together the two headed for the door.
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Baker dropped Mal off at Guilford's, taking the ground car with her. She had orders to meet him there in the morning. Inara was waiting for him, arms crossed, as he walked toward Serenity.
"I see you've made a new friend," she said innocently, and Mal sighed.
"My driver," he nodded. "Toby decided I needed someone to look after me."
"And just happened to pick the one woman working for you?" Inara asked, her eyebrows raised.
"She's lived here all her life," Mal nodded. "Knows the area, and the people. He said I needed to be out talkin' to folks more, and goin' on raids and the like, less. Said I needed to concentrate on the politic'n more, and the enforcing less." That wasn't the whole truth, of course, but Mal didn't want to tell Inara about the murder attempt. Not just yet, anyway.
"Interesting," Inara commented.
"Now, 'Nara, it ain't like that," Mal raised his hands. "She's just 'sposed to make sure I get where I need to be, and she knows most folks around the area that I might need to know, or talk to. Keep me from lookin' lost and all."
"Hm hmm."
"Inara, I'm tellin' ya, that's all it is," Mal tried again, cursing Toby Bontrager all the while in his mind. "I didn't ask him to assign her to the job. Didn't even ask for a driver. But he has got a point, and I. . ." he was halted by Inara planting her lips against his. Mal was shocked for a second, but responded quickly enough.
"Not so funny when the shoe's on the other foot, is it?" Inara asked him, grinning. Mal looked at her.
"You mean all that was. . .I mean I. . .you ain't. . ." Mal stammered.
"Jealous?" Inara scoffed. "When I can't compete with another woman, I'll know it's time to move on, Malcolm Reynolds. Mind you," she added, "I don't expect that to happen in your lifetime."
"You ain't jealous?" Mal asked, almost disappointed.
"No," Inara replied. "I trust you, Mal. I told you I wouldn't put up with your jealous tantrums, and I'm not going to throw any of my own. Besides," she added, smiling. "If you were to stray, I'd sic Jayne on you. He likes me a good deal more than he does you." She turned, walking back to the ship. Mal's face paled.
"That ain't funny, even as a joke, 'Nara!" he called after her, then started walking to catch up.
"Who said I was joking?"